PITTSBURGH -- Every time the St. Louis Cardinals faced Francisco Liriano in 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander found a way to push the Cardinals around. At long last, St. Louis pushed back. The Cardinals jumped on the Pirates ace early, Yadier Molina hit his second homer of the season and Jhonny Peralta added a late two-run shot as St. Louis pulled away for a 6-1 win on Saturday night. The victory was the first by the Cardinals against Liriano, who went 4-0 with a 1.16 ERA against St. Louis last season, including a triumph in Game 3 of the NL division series. "Hes tough, man, but he caught a lot of the plate with his pitches tonight, especially in the first inning and then on the home run," Molina said. "Hes a tough pitcher and we kind of caught him when he wasnt at his best." Molina finished 2 for 4 and his solo homer in the sixth gave the Cardinals plenty of cushion as they bounced back from a 12-2 loss on Friday by not waiting around for Liriano to get into a rhythm. St. Louis used a three-run first inning to put the Pirates in a quick hole then held on as Joe Kelly (1-0) shook off some rust in his first start of the season. The right-hander worked 5 1-3 innings, walking four and striking out four. "I made some good pitches when I had to but I struggled a little with my command from time to time," Kelly said. "It seemed like when I really needed to make a pitch I was able to do it and avoid getting into big trouble." The Pirates had their chances. They loaded the bases in the third but managed only a single run when Kelly walked Russell Martin. Pittsburgh left 11 runners on base, including seven in the first four innings. "We had opportunities to cash in and we werent able to do it," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said hours after agreeing to a contract extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh through at least 2017. St. Louis reliever Carlos Martinez, who typically works the eighth inning, replaced Kelly with two on and one out in the sixth and retired Starling Marte and Travis Snider on groundouts to end the threat. "It was a part of the game where it could have gone in a different direction fast," St. Louis manager Mike Matheny said. "Carlos came out and did exactly what we needed him to do." Liriano, who struck out 10 in six innings on opening day against the Cubs, settled down after initial command issues. He surrendered four runs on seven hits in six innings, walking two and striking out four. "Theyve got some good hitters and they hit some good pitches down and I made a couple of mistakes too," Liriano said after falling to 9-2 in his career at PNC Park. "Thats part of the game. Just one of those nights." It wasnt exactly a repeat of the last time Liriano faced St. Louis, when he held the Cardinals in check in Game 3 of the NL division series to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. St. Louis rallied to take the series in five games and six months later it appears the clubs that finished one-two in the NL Central remain evenly matched. The teams have now split the last 26 meetings. For once, however, the Cardinals got the best of Pittsburghs ace by not messing around while he dealt with location issues in the first. Matt Carpenter led off with a single. Peralta walked and Matt Holliday followed with an RBI single to right. Peralta scored on a sacrifice fly by Allen Craig, with Holliday scoring on a perfectly placed single to left by Matt Adams. Molina provided insurance with a homer to right and Peraltas second home run with the Cardinals slipped inside the left field foul pole against Pittsburgh reliever Jeanmar Gomez in the ninth. That was more than enough for a bullpen that didnt surrender a hit in 3 2-3 innings of work. NOTES: Marte went 1 for 5 and has reached base in each of his 17 career games against St. Louis. ... St. Louis reliever Jason Motte, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, participated in a simulated game in Florida on Saturday. Matheny said the team doesnt have a pre-determined role set for Motte, who saved 42 games in 2012 before the injury. ... The series concludes on Sunday when Adam Wainwright (1-0, 0.00) is set to go for St. Louis against Edinson Volquez (0-0, 0.00), who pitched two innings of relief in a loss to the Cubs on Thursday. Jaden Schwartz Jersey . The four-time Grand Slam champion has beaten Hantuchova nine straight times, with the Slovaks only win coming when they first played 10 years ago. "I had a tough first opponent who can play extremely good tennis," Sharapova said. Tony Twist Jersey .com) - Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is set to return Tuesday against Nashville after sitting out the past two games because of a minor upper body injury. http://www.cheapbluesjerseys.info/authentic-doug-gilmour-blues-jersey/. -- Tiago Splitter tipped in a rebound with 2. Custom St.Louis Blues Jerseys .com) - Virginia is for loving Latrell Scott. Joe Mullen Jersey . With one penalty, Fourcade finished in 24 minutes, 58.2 seconds, just nine-tenths of a second ahead of Timofey Lapshin, who shot clean in the cold.Tulsa, OK (SportsNetwork.com) - TaShawn Thomas poured in a season-best 25 points as 16th-ranked Oklahoma cruised to an 87-68 victory over in-state foe Tulsa at the Reynolds Center. Thomas went 9-of-12 from the floor and Isaiah Cousins knocked down five 3- pointers in a 21-point effort for the Sooners. Cousins added eight rebounds to help Oklahoma (6-2) easily handle a struggling Tulsa team coming off a home loss to Division II Southeast Oklahoma State. Shaquille Harrison was one of the Golden Hurricanes few bright spots, finishing with 21 points and five assists. Rashad Ray tallied 11 points off the bench for Tulsa (5-5). Thomas was a force right from the start, recording eight of his 16 first-half points during a 13-4 game-opening run by the Sooners, who never trailed in the period while building a lead as large as 13 points. Five straight Tulsa points, the last three on a layup and free throw from Brandon Swannegan, brought the Golden Hurricane within 20-18 with under nine minutes to go in the frame. However, Oklahoma countered with a 9-0 spurt, during which Cousins and Buddy Hield each canned 3-pointers, to quickly regain some separation. Tulsa managed to whittle the deficit down to 30-25 lateer in the half, but the Sooners scored the next seven points and eventually carried a 43-32 advantage into the break.dddddddddddd Oklahoma kept its foot on the gas after the intermission, with Hield and Cousins both burying threes during an 8-0 flurry that pushed the lead to 55-36 just three minutes into the second half. Tulsa scored the next five points, but the Sooners answered with an 11-2 push that all but put the game out of reach. Thomas had four points during the burst, which Frank Booker capped with a layup to put Oklahoma up 64-43 with under 13 minutes to go. The Sooners led by at least 16 points the rest of the way. Game Notes The game featured a matchup between Oklahoma point guard Jordan Woodard and his older brother James, a guard for the Golden Hurricane. Jordan had a game- high nine assists, while James went just 3-for-13 from the field for nine points ... Oklahoma has won eight straight and 14 of the last 15 meetings between the schools, who squared off for the first time in Tulsa since 2008 ... Tulsa head coach Frank Haith beat Oklahoma twice during the 2011-12 season while then at Missouri in the Tigers final campaign in the Big 12. Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

BARRIE, Ont. -- Darby Llewellyn scored three times, including two on the power play, as the Kitchener Rangers downed the host Barrie Colts 5-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League play. Justin Bailey and Frank Hora also scored for the Rangers (10-14-1) while Ryan MacInnis tacked on two assists. Andreas Athanasiou, Jake Dotchin and Aaron Ekblad scored for the Colts (14-10-3) and Zach Hall assisted on all three of his clubs goals. Kitcheners Matthew Greenfield made 25 saves for the win as Daniel Gibl turned away 38-of-42 shots for Barrie. The Rangers went 2 for 6 on the power play while the Colts scored once on five chances with the man advantage. --- OTTERS 7 STEELHEADS 1 ERIE, Pa. -- The Otters scored five times in the second period en route to crushing Mississauga for its fourth straight victory. Andre Burakovsky had two goals and two assists for Erie (23-4-1) while Connor McDavid scored once and set up three others. Dane Fox had a goal and two assists for the Otters and Hayden Hodgson, Adam Pelech and Michael Curtis added a goal apiece. Austin Gerhart scored the lone goal for the Steelheads (13-15-2), who are winless in four outings. Eries Oscar Dansk made 18 saves for the win as Mississaugas Spencer Martin gave up seven goals on 32 shots. --- FRONTENACS 6 BULLS 4 BELLEVILLE, Ont. -- Spencer Watson scored three times and set up one more as Kingston earned its third straight win by defeating the Bulls. Lucas Peressini gave the Frontenacs (14-9-3) an opportunity to win by stopping 46-of-50 shots while Ryan Kujawinski, Henri Ikonen and Sam Bennett added a goal each. Jake Worrad scored twice for Belleville (6-18-4) and Cameron Brace and Aaron Berisha had the others. Braydon Banitsiotis kicked out 31-of-36 shots for the Bulls. --- KNIGHTS 4 PETES 2 PETERBOROUGH, Ont. -- Josh Anderson had two goals and an assist and Bo Horvat set up three goals as London doubled up the Petes. Alex Basso had a goal and an assist for the Knights (19-6-2) while Santino Centorame scored once. Greg Betzhold and Nick Ritchie supplied the goals for Peterborough (11-15-3). Londons Anthony Stolarz made 28 saves for the win as Michael Giuovas stopped 32 shots for the Petes. --- SPITFIRES 6 STING 3 WINDSOR, Ont. -- Josh Ho-Sang and Ben Johnson each scored twice as the Spitfires doubled up Sarnia. Remy Giftopoulos and Ty Bilcke also scored for Windsor (16-10-0), which halted a three-game slide, and Alex Fotinos made 31 saves for the victory. Anthony DeAngelo, Vladislav Kodola and Nikolay Goldobin scored for the Sting (9-17-1). Sarnias Brodie Barrick stopped 36-of-41 shots in a losing cause. --- GREYHOUNDS 5 ICEDOGS 3 SAULT STE. MARIE, Ont. -- Sergey Tolchinsky scored once and set up three more as the Greyhounds beat Niagara. Andrew Fritsch, Blake Speers and Jared McCann each had a goal and an assist for Sault Ste. Marie (19-5-3) and David Miller scored once. Vince Dunn, Eric Ming and Aleksandar Mikulovich supplied the offence for the IceDogs (7-18-4). Brandon Halverson made 25 saves for the Greyhounds. Niagaras Brent Moran stopped 34-of-39 shots in defeat. --- GENERALS 5 SPIRIT 2 SAGINAW, Mich. -- Hunter Smith scored twice and Ken Appleby stopped 38 shots as Oshawa handed the Spirit their first regulation-time loss in seven outings. Bradley Latour and Scott Laughton each had a goal and two assists for the Generals (21-6-1) and Michael DalColle had a goal and an assist. Saginaw (15-9-4) got goals from Terry Trafford and Kristoff Kontos. Jake Paterson gave up four goals on 10 shots for Saginaw in just 20 minutes of action. Nikita Serebryakov stopped all seven shots he faced in relief. --- ATTACK 3 WHALERS 2 (SO) OWEN SOUND, Ont. -- Thomas Schemitsch scored the shootout winner as the Attack slipped past Plymouth. Holden Cook and Danial Milne had a goal and an assist apiece for Owen Sound (13-10-1), who are 3-0-1 in their last four contests. Victor Crus Rydberg and Gianluca Curcuruto scored for the Whalers (11-16-2). Brandon Hope made 33 saves for the Attack while Alex Nedeljkovic turned away 46 shots in a losing cause. 23:24ET 30-11-13 Travis Shaw Jersey . Jeff Carter had two goals and an assist as the Kings stretched their streak to seven wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. Eric Thames Jersey . The Broncos quarterback earned the offensive award Wednesday after passing for 374 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-21 win over the Raiders Monday night. Manning completed 32-of-37 passes and had a passer rating of 135. http://www.brewersteamshop.com/Brewers-Manny-Pina-Kids-Jersey/. Its like being on Broadway, everything you do matters. Id want to be good though! I couldnt play here if I wasnt very good. #83217388 / gettyimages. Matt Garza Jersey . The Blue Jackets play Thursday night at New Jersey in their first game after the NHLs Olympic hiatus. A native of Trencin, Slovakia, Gaborik has represented his country at the 2006 and 2010 Olympics but was unable to play in Sochi because of his injury. Ryan Braun Jersey . He made that dream a reality Wednesday night. Olt, who grew up in Branford, Connecticut, attended UConn and made a nearly 2 1-2 hour trek to Boston a handful of times to watch the Red Sox, belted a two-run homer, one of four hit by Cubs in a 16-9 rout that completed a three-game interleague series sweep.Every day leading up to the eve of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, TSN.ca will be previewing one of the eight participating groups. Today, the previews begin with Group A featuring Neymar and the host Brazilians, Samuel Etoos Cameroon, Luka Modric and Croatia and Mexico with Javier Hernandez. Check back on Tuesday for Group B. All eyes will be on Group A as it features the home team in Luiz Felipe Scolaris Selecao. After triumphing in last summers Confederations Cup, expectations for a Brazilian side featuring the likes of Oscar, Hulk and David Luiz will be high and the pressure will be even higher. Can they cope with it? Click here for the Brazil team preview An argument can be made that Cameroon is more than fortunate to simply be going to Brazil at all, but even if the Indomitable Lions were the beneficiaries of some good luck (and Togos bad luck), can they ride it to claim a spot in the knockout stages? Click here for the Cameroon team preview Niko Kovac played in two World Cups himself and now gets to coach in his first, leading an offensively talented Croatia side to Brazil.ddddddddddddnbsp;How will Croatia contend with playing in the tournaments opening match against the host Selecao? Click here for the Croatia team preview After a qualifying campaign that almost ended in disaster, Mexico, somewhat improbably, heads to its sixth-straight World Cup. What changes will Miguel Herrera make to his midfield following this past weekends gruesome injury to Luis Montes? Click here for the Mexico team preview Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

WINNIPEG -- Olympic medallist Jennifer Abel of Laval, Que., produced her best performance of the season on Friday to win gold in the womens three-metre springboard at the 2014 summer senior national diving competition. Abel collected 8.0s and higher on all five of her dives in the final to finish with 372.90 points. World championship bronze medallist and defending champion Pamela Ware of Beloeil, Que., placed second at 348.90. Emma Friesen of North Vancouver, B.C., was third at 300.00. "Im really happy to get my title back with 372 points," said Abel, who was just 2.55 points short of her personal best score set at last years summer nationals in Quebec City. Philippe Gagne of Montreal is in first place after the mens 10-metre preliminaries and semifinals with 449.70 points. Defending Canadian champion Maxim Bouchard of St-Constant, Que., is second at 405.45, and Edmontons Tyler Roberge is third at 399.80. Competition continues Saturday with the mens three-metre and the prelims and semis on the womens 10-tower. The two tower finals are on Sunday. The competition is also the last team selection event for the FINA World Cup and Commonwealth Games this summer. Jack Eichel Jersey . Marc-Andre Fleury made 27 saves to backstop the Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Flames, handing Calgary its team record sixth consecutive home regulation loss. Danny Gare Jersey .com) - The Winnipeg Jets placed defenceman Paul Postma on injured reserve Tuesday. http://www.authenticsabrespro.com/Pierre-turgeon-sabres-jersey/ . This is the final meeting of the season between these teams.? The Capitals were 5-4 winners in a shootout Oct. Johan Larsson Jersey . "It feels good, Ive never had one before, not even in College," Hagelin said after the Rangers outgunned the Jets 4-2, behind some solid goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist following a pretty wide open first period. Jason Pominville Jersey . Leaning forward with both hands on his knees, Buffon appeared to be resting or somehow trying to withstand the rain. Or perhaps the 36-year-old goalkeeper and Italy captain was reflecting on this: He is only the third player in history to be part of five World Cup squads, along with Germany great Lothar Matthaus and former Mexico goalkeeper Antonio Carbajal.LONDON - There was stalemate at the summit meeting between Chelsea and Manchester City on Saturday as the Premier League front-runners drew 1-1 on Saturday.Although Chelsea dropped points for the first time at home this season, the leaders defensive-minded approach in the second half suggested they were satisfied with the draw. It preserved the five-point lead over the defending champions.Although Chelsea was without suspended striker Diego Costa, Lioc Remy initially filled the void by giving the hosts the lead in the 41st minute after latching onto Eden Hazards volley across the face of goal.A City counterattack before halftime led to the leveler, with David Silva completing the move by turning in Sergio Agueros shot. Although City avoided defeat, it is now three games without a win in the league.It was a solid game and Chelsea probably accepted a point in the end, said City midfielder Frank Lampard, playing at Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving Chelsea in May after 13 years. Chelsea will be happy to be five points clear, were not stupid. We know what that lead is. But there are lots of points to play for.Neighbor Man United is only five points behind now in third place after Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao rediscovered their scoring touch in a 3-1 win over Leicester.Van Persie put United ahead in the 27th minute with his first goal since Dec. 26 and Falcao netted only the fourth goal of his loan spell from Monaco five minutes later.The victory was wrapped up before halftime through Wes Morgans own goall.dddddddddddd Marcin Wasilewski scored a consolation goal in the second half for Leicester, which stayed bottom.Unlike the more illustrious striking duo of Falcao and Van Persie, 21-year-old Tottenham forward Harry Kane has been a scoring revelation this season.In a 3-0 victory at West Bromwich Albion, Kane took his seasons tally to 20 with a double — one from the penalty spot at the Hawthorns— after Christian Eriksen opened the scoring with a trademark free kick.Liverpool was relieved to see its star striker, Daniel Sturridge, make an instant impact on his return from five months out with thigh and calf injuries.Within 12 minutes of coming off the bench, Sturridge completed a 2-0 victory over West Ham that took Liverpool above the London club into seventh place.Just like Raheem Sterlings opener, Sturridge was also set up by Philippe Coutinho.At Sunderland, there was a first goal for the northeast club from Jermain Defore, who joined from Toronto earlier this month. Connor Wickham had headed in the opener as Sunderland beat Burnley 2-0 for only its second home win of the campaign.Queens Park Rangers has failed to collect a single point on the road this season, with Jonathan Walters scoring a hat trick as Stoke beat the relegation-threatened team 3-1.Romelu Lukakus early goal gave Everton a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, handing Alan Pardew his first loss since taking over the London club. It was Evertons first win in nine games in all competitions, and put the team three points clear of Palace in 12th place. Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

PHILADELPHIA -- Down and out or down to the wire, the 76ers are freefalling toward NBA history. D.J Augustin scored 20 points and Taj Gibson had 19 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 102-94 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday night, handing the 76ers their 22nd straight loss. The Sixers are four losses shy of matching the NBA record for the longest single-season losing streak. The Cleveland Cavaliers set the record of 26 consecutive losses in the 2010-11 season. The Vancouver Grizzlies (1995-96), Denver Nuggets (1997-98) and Charlotte Bobcats (2011-12) each lost 23 straight. "Winnable game," 76ers coach Brett Brown said. "I say that because a group thats been losing ... still stays together. They still compete. Im proud of them." The Sixers also lost their 17th straight home game since beating Charlotte on Jan. 15. They were 8-11 at home at that point and had already defeated Miami, the Bulls, and Houston in Philadelphia. After the Sixers were 3-0 following a Nov. 2 win over Chicago, fans held signs that said, "3-0. Thats No Bull." That seems like another season at times after the Sixers traded Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes and Lavoy Allen at the deadline for draft picks, a necessary step for a rebuilding franchise. Unlike most of the first 21 losses in the streak, the Sixers were competitive until the final possessions, never letting the Bulls lead by more than 11. Sixers centre Byron Mullens, who hadnt attempted a shot all game, hit consecutive 3s to pull the Sixers to 83-80. He made a nifty save on a ball headed out of bounds, leading to Henry Sims bucket and a foul. With a chance to tie the game, Sims missed the free throw with 8:19 left. Thaddeus Young bailed him out a possession later with a 3-pointer that made it 85-all. Joakim Noah buried a go-ahead 3 from the top of the arc and Augustin followed with one from the sideline to put the Bulls up 91-85. Tony Wrotens 3 made it 93-90 but it was just more false hope. Carlos Boozers emphatic dunk stretched the lead to six and the Bulls did enough to hang on and move to .500 on the road (17-17). The Sixers have lost three of four by less than 10 points after losing each of the previous 10 games by double-digits. "We knew it would be this type of game," Augustin said. "We just tried to fight them until the end and it was a fight, a real fight." The Sixers could make it 23 straight with a loss Friday to New York. Then three straight on the road at Chicago, San Antonio and Houston. If the Sixers lose all of those games, the potential record 27th loss would come March 29 vs. Detroit. Young scored 24 points for the Sixers and Wroten had 17. "Were going to get one soon," Wroten said. Boozer had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls and Noah added 14 points and 10 boards. The Sixers solid 11-for-24 3-point shooting was undone by a 9 of 19 mark from the free-throw line. "There is just no inch for error," Brown said. "Theres no wiggle room at all." The Sixers stayed tight and chipped away in the third, making it 64-61 on Youngs 3-pointer. Sims was 0 for 7 from the floor until his first basket cut it to 64-63. The Sixers just couldnt make the clutch basket or two to finally take the lead. Theyd get as close again as two points in the third and trailed only 75-69 at the end of the quarter. "I think Bretts done a great job with them," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "Theyve got a lot of moving parts. I give a guy like Young a lot of credit for his professionalism -- how hard he plays. They shot the ball well. The Bulls played without Derrick Rose, the former MVP point guard who tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Thibodeau said Rose could could be ready to return if he gets the call to play this summer for Team USA at the world championships. "I know hed like to do it," Thibodeau said. "I know how USA basketball feels about him. If hes cleared to do it, Id love to see him do it." NOTES: The Sixers are 3-32 since a four-game winning streak ended Jan. 4. ... The Bulls have won seven of eight against the Sixers. L.C. Greenwood Jersey . -- Top-seed Shahar Peer and Canadian Eugenie Bouchard advanced to the second round of the inaugural WTA Citi Open. Merril Hoge Jersey . That Ginette Reno can sing. http://www.authenticsteelerspro.com/Carnell-lake-steelers-jersey/. Snedekers best result so far this year is a tie for eighth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March. He sits 113th in FedEx Cup standings and has dropped to 31st in world rankings — not the results expected from a player ranked fourth in the world only two years ago. Pittsburgh Steelers Jerseys .com) - Ames, IA (SportsNetwork. Rod Woodson Jersey . Ashton scored a hat trick -- giving him 13 goals in 16 AHL games this season -- to power the Toronto Marlies to a 5-2 victory over the visiting Lake Erie Monsters in AHL action on Sunday.MOOSE JAW, Sask. -- Sam Reinhart scored his 28th goal of the season, then added his 29th into an empty net with 58 seconds to go to lead the Kootenay Ice to a 3-1 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors in Western Hockey League action on Tuesday. Jaedon Descheneau had a goal and an assist to round out the offence for Kootenay (31-21-4). Torin White replied with the lone goal for the Warriors (14-33-8), who have lost two in a row. Ice goaltender Mackenzie Skapski made 34 saves to pick up the victory. Moose Jaws Justin Paulic stopped 35 shots in the losing effort. --- HITMEN 7 RAIDERS 2 CALGARY -- Brady Brassart scored two goals and assisted on two more as the Hitmen thrashed the Raiders. Jake Virtanen had two goals and an assist for Calgary (35-15-6), while Pavel Padakin, Adam Tambellini and Joe Mahonn also scored.dddddddddddd Connor Rankin chipped in with four assists. Sawyer Lange and Josh Morrissey scored for Prince Albert (25-26-3), who were outshot 36-23. Mack Shields turned aside 21 of the Raiders shots to pick up the victory. His counterpart, Cole Cheveldave, made 29 saves in defeat. --- TIGERS 6 WHEAT KINGS 1 MEDICINE HAT, Alta. -- Miles Koules had a four-point night with two goals and two assists to lead the Tigers over the Wheat Kings. Anthony Ast also scored two, and Steven Owre and Curtis Valke chipped in with singles for Medicine Hat (33-20-3). Richar Nejezchleb had the lone goal for Brandon (28-22-6), who has dropped its last two contests. Tigers goalie Marek Langhammer stopped 20 shots. Curtis Honey took the loss for the Wheat Kings after making 29 saves. Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

NAPLES, Italy - Italy and Napoli fullback Christian Maggio has been hospitalized with a collapsed lung after getting hit in the chest earlier this week in training. Napoli says Maggio was taken to a medical facility near its training centre after the squad returned from Portugal early Friday morning following a 1-0 loss to Porto in the Europa League — in which Maggio did not play. The club says Maggio will remain in the hospital for 24 hours to have the affected lung drained, although it was unclear how long hell be out. The 32-year-old Maggio played for Italy at the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championship and is facing competition to keep his spot for this years World Cup. In all, he has made 34 national team appearances, without scoring. Chris Carpenter Jersey . The day began ominously for the Rangers when star pitcher Yu Darvish was scratched from his scheduled start with stiffness in his neck. Fill-in Scott Baker gave up three hits over six innings and Chris Gimenez hit a tiebreaking two-out RBI single in the sixth off Phil Hughes. Dexter Fowler Jersey . The seventh-ranked Berdych wants to focus on the ATP Tour after helping the Czechs beat the Netherlands in the first round. Seeking their third straight Davis Cup title, the Czechs will rely again on veteran Radek Stepanek. http://www.authenticcardinalspro.com/cardinals-red-schoendienst-jersey/ .C. - Steve Clifford isnt exactly singing his teams praises after the Bobcats won for the sixth time in seven games. Whitey Herzog Jersey . "That was a great lift for the staff," Padres manager Bud Black said. Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal homered, and Chase Headley drove in three runs, as the Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 11-1 on Friday night. Enos Slaughter Jersey . Fans can also watch the game on the newly launched TSN GO (currently available to Bell TV and Rogers customers), which gives TSN subscribers the freedom to live stream the networks programming from their smartphones, tablets, and computers at no additional charge – just as they would watch Canadas Sports Leader on TV at home. The following week, MLS ON TSN is at BMO Field in Toronto to deliver live coverage of TFCs home opener vs. D.C. United on Saturday, March 22 at 4:30 p.SAN DIEGO - Dan Haren finally feels comfortable in Dodger blue. Haren didnt go with the Dodgers to Australia for their season-opening, two-game series against Arizona, so he didnt get his first taste of real action with his new team until he threw six strong innings in a 5-1 victory against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday night. "I feel like part of the team now," Haren said. "I havent done anything up to now. Im just happy that I was able to come through for the guys. "I really wasnt with the team that much," said Haren, who signed as a free agent in late November. "Teams often bond on the road. Theyre in the clubhouse a lot, on the plane or bus, whatever. So I really didnt have that. Im just glad I was able to come through, and Im looking forward to getting back home." While the Dodgers were in Arizona, Haren, their No. 4 starter, pitched in minor league games. "Man, I got my butt kicked in those camp games," he said. "The adrenaline level, theres nobody watching, its dead silence. Its hard to simulate major league innings." Haren retired the first nine batters before Everth Cabrera singled to centre leading off the fourth and eventually scored on Yonder Alonsos one-out single to right. The run was unearned because Seth Smith, batting after Cabrera, reached on catchers interference by A.J. Ellis. Haren (1-0) allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked none. The Dodgers took two of three from the Padres and now play their home opener Friday afternoon against San Francisco. The Dodgers jumped on Tyson Ross (0-1) for three runs in the first inning. Carl Crawford doubled to left-centre and advanced on Yasiel Puigs sacrifice bunt. Puig was safe when Ross throw pulled first baseman Alonso off the bag. Manager Bud Black went out to challenge the play, but umpires determined he didnt do so in a timely manner. Hanley Ramirez doubled to left to bring in both runners and then scored on Adrian Gonzalezs single to centre. Ramirez scored again in the fifth when he walked with one out and eventually came in on Andre Ethiers two-out single to right. Ross allowed fourr runs, three earned, in five innings while striking out seven and walking four.dddddddddddd "His stuff was good, he just really couldnt command his fastball early in the game," Black said. "The first two innings, 50-plus pitches. He had to work awfully hard to get those six outs. He had a real tough team getting the ball in the strike zone early. "Haren, on the other hand, was getting the ball in the strike zone early. He was pretty efficient the first three innings." Los Angeles added another run in the eighth against Donn Roach, who was making his big league debut. Roach came on with two outs and allowed singles to Juan Uribe and Ellis, and an RBI double to Dee Gordon. NOTES: The Dodgers put reliever Brian Wilson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Monday, with inflammation in the ulnar nerve in his right elbow, and recalled right-hander Jose Dominguez from Triple-A Albuquerque. Manager Don Mattingly said Wilson threw Wednesday and will continue building from there. ... Mattingly said OF Matt Kemp (right ankle surgery) is on track to be activated from the disabled list on Friday. ... RHP Josh Beckett (bruised right thumb) is scheduled to pitch for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday night as he works his way back from the DL. ... The Padres claimed LHP Bobby LaFromboise off waivers from the Seattle Mariners and optioned him to Triple-A El Paso. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred right-hander Joe Wieland from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL. Wieland, still rehabbing from reconstructive elbow surgery, recently had arthroscopic surgery to relieve irritation in the back of his elbow, pushing back his return. Manager Bud Black thinks Wieland can return before the All-Star break. ... Both teams are off Thursday. The Dodgers play their home opener Friday against San Francisco. RHP Ryan Vogelsong is scheduled to make his season debut for the Giants while LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (1-0) goes for the Dodgers. The Padres are at Miami. The scheduled starters are LHP Eric Stults (season debut) for San Diego and RHP Tom Koehler (season debut) for Miami Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

NEW YORK -- For nearly two years, the Toronto Blue Jays had walked off the field at Yankee Stadium with losses. Every time. Dan Johnsons 70-foot infield hit helped the Blue Jays stop their 17-game skid in the Bronx. Johnson drove in four runs with the seventh-inning single and a three-run homer in the ninth, lifting the Blue Jays over New York 6-4 on Saturday for their first win at Yankee Stadium since Aug. 29, 2012. "We were trying anything," Johnson said, "just to kind of change the feeling, the mojo here." Toronto didnt take batting practice before Fridays 6-3 loss or on Saturday. Manager John Gibbons described the losing streak as feeling "Volkswagen tracks" on his neck. Brian McCanns two-run homer off Drew Hutchison (7-9) put New York ahead, but the Blue Jays tied the score in the fifth against Chris Capuano, who was making his Yankees debut, on Melky Cabreras RBI double and Steve Tollesons sacrifice fly. Toronto went ahead in the seventh when Shawn Kelley (1-3) walked Cabrera leading off and Jose Bautista doubled him to third. Dioner Navarro, who had three hits, followed with a grounder to McCann, an All-Star catcher playing first base this week because of Mark Teixeiras strained back. McCann took a step in, checked the runners, but allowed Navarro to get by him and reach on a fielders choice that loaded the bases. "It was a such a strange play," Navarro said. "We caught a break right there." Kelley struck out Tolleson, and Johnson was jammed by left-hander Matt Thornton as the ball blooped to the right side. Second baseman Brian Roberts reacted slowly, and the ball landed on the grass in front of him, with McCann and Thornton not far away. All runners were safe, and Toronto led 3-2. "When you lose 17 in a row, you deserve something like that," Gibbons said. Johnson at first thought the ball might be caught or even called an infield fly. "One of the softest hits Ive ever got," he said. "There was three guys converging on it, so I couldnt really figure out what was going on." Roberts didnt think he had a chance to grab it. "Maybe its a play Im supposed to make, but it didnt happen," he said. "Bounces dont always go your way. One guy does everything right and one guy does everything kind of wrong, and the result goes in favour of the one that does everything wrong." Johnson made it 6-2 with a ninth-inning drive off Jeff Francis over the short porch in right, his first homer since hitting three for the Chicago White Sox at Cleveland on Oct. 3, 2012. Toronto reliever Casey Janssen allowed Carlos Beltrans two-run homer in the ninth. Hutchison stopped a three-start skid to win for the first time since July 1. He gave up two runs, five hits and three walks in 6 2-3 innings with seven strikeouts. Aaron Loup walked a pair of batters with two outs in the eighth before throwing a called third strike past Brett Gardner with on a two-seam fastball with a full count. Casey Janssen allowed Carlos Beltrans two-run homer in the ninth. "We needed a win -- especially against these guys and especially here," Loup said. "It seems like everything was bouncing against them today, so it ended up working out for us." NOTES: Gibbons said All-Star 1B Edwin Encarnacion, on the DL since straining his right quadriceps July 5, had a setback during his rehabilitation in Florida when he felt tightness while swinging a bat. ... Johnson also famously saved Tampa Bay on the final night of the 2011 regular season with a tying two-run, two-strike, ninth-inning homer off the Yankees Cory Wade. ... Both teams were warned in the first inning by plate umpire Alan Porter after Capuano hit Bautista in the ribs and Hutchison hit Beltran above the elbow. ... New York lost for just the second time in eight games since the All-Star break. Sammie Coates Jersey .J. Ellis hit an RBI single in the ninth inning, Hanley Ramirez hit a tape-measure, three-run homer in the first against Cliff Lee and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 4-3 on Saturday night. Aaron Colvin Jersey . 1 Caroline Wozniacki and three-time champion Serena Williams cruised into the semifinals, while last years runner-up Vera Zvonareva succumbed to Aussie Samantha Stosur in Thursdays womens quarterfinal action at the U. http://www.footballtexansgearsshop.com/Black-Martinas-Rankin-Texans-Jersey.html?cat=966. The Blue Jackets got goals from Cam Atkinson, Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner and R.J. Umberger and Curtis McElhinney posted his first shutout since 2011 in a 4-0 victory on Friday night. Martinas Rankin Texans Jersey . Yoenis Cespedes proved he can play through a hurting right heel, giving Scott Kazmir and the As a spark with a pair of RBIs that helped spoil the Minnesota Twins home opener with an 8-3 victory on Monday. Justin Reid Jersey . The 7-foot-1 Hawes, who is in the final year of his contract, is averaging 13 points and 8.5 rebounds, both career highs, and shoots 40 per cent from 3-point range. The 25-year-old Hawes is in his seventh NBA season. LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Brandt Snedeker was making so many birdies that even an 18-foot putt looked like a mere tap-in. When he finished his amazing run Thursday in the BMW Championship, he had seven straight birdies on his card and an 8-under 63 at blustery Conway Farms. "You get on runs like that, you get excited for the next hole because you know something good is going to happen, because youre in such a good frame of mind and everything is going in the right direction," Snedeker said. In this case, everything was going in -- a 15-foot putt from the fringe on the 13th, another 15-footer on the next hole when he used the blade of his sand wedge to bump the ball out of the short rough, and a 40-footer from the fringe on the 17th stood out to him. That gave him a one-shot lead over Zach Johnson in the third FedEx Cup playoff event. Tiger Woods sounded disgusted with his round of 66, mainly because he had a pair of three-putt bogeys and missed a 4-foot birdie putt over his last five holes. "Im not exactly real happy," Woods said. "I played well, and I just didnt get much out of that round. I missed three little short ones in there and then played the par 5s even par. Thats just not very good." Steve Stricker, Charl Schwartzel and Kevin Streelman also were at 66. The opening round was mainly about the debut of Conway Farms, a Tom Fazio design north of Chicago which has a blend of strong holes and plenty of birdie opportunities on par 4s where players hit wedge for their second shot. Low scoring was predicted, and Snedekers round was proof of that. But as the wind picked up and shifted directions, the course was far from a pushover. Rickie Fowler opened with a pair of double bogeys, followed by a pair of bogeys. He rallied for a 77. Rory McIlroy made a double bogey -- his ninth of the FedEx Cup playoffs -- on his second hole, and then three-putted from 4 feet for a triple bogey and staggered to a 78. Lee Westwood, fighting severe pain in his back and ribs, had an 80. "Theres a good mixture of really hard holes and really good birdie opportunities. I think that makes for exciting golf," Phil Mickelson said after opening with a 70. "Thats why we have such a discrepancy in scores." The top 30 players in the FedEx Cup after the BMW Championship advance to the Tour Chhampionship next week and a shot at the $10 million prize.dddddddddddd Westwood is at No. 30 and likely played himself out of a trip to East Lake, though he didnt appear to be healthy enough to play. McIlroy is at No. 41 and all but took himself out of the Tour Championship. He needs to finish somewhere around seventh in the 70-man field. His 78 put him in a tie for 66th. "Its going to be a very uphill task," McIlroy said. "Ill try to get to even par as quickly as I can." That still might not be enough the way Snedeker is playing. Snedeker is at No. 9 in the FedEx Cup and assured of being the first defending FedEx Cup champion to make it to the Tour Championship. He is trying to move into the top five, for those players have a clear shot at the $10 million bonus -- all they have to do is win at East Lake no matter what anyone else does. He wouldnt have imagined this kind of round at the start of the day. He didnt warm up well and didnt feel good with the putter. Snedeker missed the 10th fairway to start his round and had to make an 18-footer for par. He missed the 11th green and had to scramble for par. He missed a good look at birdie from the 12 feet on the next hole. The next hour was a blur. "When I get going good, I realize it doesnt happen all the time, so I instantly become more aggressive," he said. "I think being a good putter helps, too, because I dont really have to hit it three feet eight times in a row. Just got to hit the green sometimes and its going to happen. I realize these runs are few and far between, so when I get on one, I try to run as hard as I can for as long as I can." The blustery conditions kept scoring from getting out of hand, and the average score was at 71.3. No one had less experience on the course than Mickelson, who had some personal issues earlier in the week that kept him from playing the pro-am. He didnt arrive in Chicago until Wednesday night and had never seen the course until he stood on the first tee Thursday. Mickelson did not want to talk about what kept him away. When asked if it was a family matter, he said, "Everything is fine. Im here now, Im ready to play. But I just needed to be a little cautious this first round before I attack it tomorrow." Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., shot 70, while David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., fired a 72. Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- The expansion Ottawa Redblacks will make their official return to the CFL on the road. The CFL unveiled its 2014 schedule Wednesday and the Redblacks will play their first-ever regular-season game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers on July 3. Back in the league for the first time since the Renegades folded in 2006, Ottawa will make its home debut in its new stadium, TD Place, on July 18 against the Toronto Argonauts. The 2014 season will kick off June 26 with Toronto in Winnipeg before the defending champion Saskatchewan Roughriders host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a Grey Cup rematch June 29. Both Ottawa and Hamilton will play in new facilities this year. The Ticats will open Tim Hortons Field against the Redblacks on July 26. Hamilton will also host arch-rival Toronto on Sept. 1 to re-establish their annual Labour Day showdown. Also that weekend, Ottawa will visit Montreal on Aug. 29, Saskatchewan will host Winnipeg on Aug. 31, while the Calgary Stampeders will welcome Edmonton Eskimos on Sept. 1. The 2014 season will conclude with the Grey Cup at B.C. Place in Vancouver on Nov. 30. The CFL pre-season will begin June 9 and wrap up on June 20. "This is a big year for us, the start of a new era for our league," CFL commissioner Mark Cohon said in a statement. "This schedule captures that excitement. "It features the launch of the new Ottawa Redblacks and the opening of TD Place in the national capital and Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, alongside some of our most cherished traditions and rivalries, including classic Labour Day matchups and the Grey Cup." All CFL games will be broadcast on TSN, while all Montreal Alouettes contests and select league games will be carried on RDS and RDS2. Andrew Triggs Jersey . New York Red Bulls. TSN primes Vancouver fans for the start of the 2014 season with MLS on TSN: Season Preview Special airing tonight at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt on TSN2 (encore Friday at 3:30pm et/12:30pm pt on TSN2). Jose Canseco Jersey . The defeat leaves the 41-year-old Nestor to concentrate on the mixed-doubles event after winning 12 straight matches and winning Australian titles in Brisbane and Sydney with two different partners. "This was a little bit of a let down, but all credit to them," said Nestor. http://www.athleticsrookiestore.com/Athletics-Stephen-Piscotty-Kids-Jersey/. - The fiancee of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez is set to ask a judge to throw out allegations that she lied to a grand jury. Reggie Jackson Jersey . -- Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias says he has stress fractures in both legs and isnt sure when hell be able to play again, leaving the Tigers two weeks to fill his spot for opening day and perhaps a lot longer. Joe Morgan Jersey . The 2010 batting champ showed what he can do when hes mostly healthy. Gonzalez homered, doubled and singled in his return to the lineup, and the Colorado Rockies snapped a five-game losing streak with a 13-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.GREEN BAY, Wis. - Building a successful working relationship between a quarterback and receiver requires a lot of time and communication.After seven years together, there are few better combinations in the NFL than the Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson.A quarterback renowned for accuracy throwing to the leagues leading receiver, and theyll try to keep the Packers passing game rolling against the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night at Lambeau Field.The best players are often the smartest players and the ones that have the distinct attention to detail, and Jordy has such great second and third reactions, Rodgers said.But he also, really, from his second year on, really wanted to get on the same page with me and cared about how I was seeing the game, and has really gotten in my hip pocket since then.Early on, Rodgers did most of the talking. Nelson listened. Then the receiver started earning trust by making plays. Offensive co-ordinator Tom Clements said Nelson runs textbook routes.Now its a two-way conversation between Rodgers and Nelson.The longer youre here, the more experience you have with (Rodgers), you get a slight a€” a slight a€” privilege to say some stuff, Nelson said with a laugh.He leads the league with 33 catches for 459 yards. Nelson has an uncanny knack of catches on the sideline as if hes walking a tightrope. Nelson makes the most difficult moves look easy, such as midair adjustments to make tough catches with defenders draped on him.I dont think I walked into here after Year 4 or something and said, All right, now Im going to tell you how I feel about things, Nelson said. I think its just a feel-out process and just . Im sure one day he just asked a question and it built off of there.Vikings receiver Greg Jennings is familiar with how things work in Green Bay. He played for the Packers until 2012, and had 80 catches for 1,292 yards and nine scores in 2008, Nelsons first year in the league.After Nelson had nine catches for 209 yards against the Jets in Week 2, Jennings sent a congratulatory text.I had to shoot him a way to ball out text, Jennings said. But, yeah, its no surprise to me at all.Some things to watch in the teams first meeting since the 26-all tie last November at Lambeau Field:JUST JENNINGS: The Minnesota wideout tried to maake amends last year for pointed comments questioning Rodgers and his leadership.dddddddddddd. Asked this week to reflect on the comments, Jennings sounded more conciliatory.Those were some things that I wish I had not said or done. But again, life is about adapting and showing resolve, Jennings said.Still, Jennings cant expect a warm welcome back in Titletown. When asked, Jennings added he did not miss Green Bay, but for reasons that didnt have to do with football.I would have loved to have finished my career out in Green Bay, but from where I am spiritually and where I am with my family and the growth that weve had because of what we have around us educationally a€” and there was some great educational systems there, as well a€” but this is a step up for us, Jennings said.BRIDGEWATER: The Vikings quarterback had an impressive debut in his first career start with 317 yards passing in a 41-28 win last week over Atlanta. But he sprained his left ankle in the game and his status is uncertain. Christian Ponder would start if Bridgewater cant go.ZIMMERS D: The last time Mike Zimmer coached against Green Bay, he was the defensive co-ordinator for the Bengals in a 34-30 win last year in Cincinnati. Rodgers said the Vikings defence is running some similar schemes.You know a key is to stay out of third-and-extra-longs because thats when his scheme and his defence really thrive, Rodgers said.SMOOTH RHODES: Its a good thing for the Vikings that cornerback Xavier Rhodes is coming off the best game of his two-year career: five tackles and four pass breakups against Atlantas potent offence. But Zimmer would rather not have to get into another high-scoring affair.I hope not. I dont really like those shootouts, Zimmer said.ON THE RUN: While the Packers passing game is clicking, the running attack needs work. Eddie Lacy, the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year, is off to a slow start, and Green Bay is just 28th in the league on the ground.Green Bay is even worse against the run, ranking last. Minnesota rookie Jerick McKinnon ran for 135 yards on 18 carries last week against the Falcons, while Matt Asiata had three rushing touchdowns.___Online:AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL__Follow Genaro Armas at http://twitter.com/GArmasAPCheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '